Soren wrote on Sep 23
rd, 2011 at 10:52pm:
Really? Do you have any example of a Christian or Jewish or Hindu or any other town or municipality or kingdom asking the Muslims to come not only to fight for them like mercenaries BUT TO STAY AND MAKE ISLAM THE NEW RELIGION?
In truth, the Muslims guaranteed freedom of religion.
Here is the example of Christian Jerusalem surrendering to the Muslims after having requested the leader of the Muslims personally negotiate the treaty, so that they could ascertain if he was the man described in their prophesises as the one whom Jeruasalem could not defeat.
In 637, after a prolonged siege of Jerusalem, the Muslims took the city. Umar was given the key to the city by the Christian Patriarch, Sophronius, who surrendered the city on terms that no one be harmed. Heraclius, the Byzantine Emperor, had fled.
Umar entered Jerusalem in humility, walking in while not he, the Caliph, but his servant comfortably riding on a camel; they had been taking turns walking and riding.
The peace treaty he signed read as follows:"This is a peace document which the , written by the servant of God, Umar - Commander of the Believers, to the people of Jerusalem. Peace is given to one and all in Jerusalem; peace of life and property, and peace to their church.
Their churches shall not be occupied, demolished nor taken away wholly or in part. None of their crosses nor property shall be seized. They shall not be coerced in their religion. (And as stipulated by the Christians) None of the Jews shall reside with them in Jerusalem.
The people of Jerusalem shall pay Jizia tax (head tax on free non-Muslims living under Muslim rule) as inhabitants of cities do. They shall evict all byzantines and thieves.
He whoever gets out shall be guaranteed safety for his life and property until he reach his safe haven. He whoever stays shall be (also) safe, in which case he shall pay as much tax as the people of Jerusalem do. Should any of the people of Jerusalem wish to move together with his property along with the Byzantines and to clear out of their churches and crosses, they shall be safe for their lives, churches and crosses, until they have reached then safe haven. He whoever chooses to stay he may do so and he shall pay as much tax as the people of Jerusalem do. He whoever wishes to move along with the Byzantine, may do so, and whoever wishes to return back home to his kinsfolk, may do so. Nothing shall be taken from them, their crops have been harvested. To the contents of this convent here are given the Covenant of God, the guarantees of His Prophet, the Caliphs and the Believers, provided they (the people of Jerusalem) pay their due Jizia tax.
Witnesses hereto are:
Khalid Ibn al-Waleed, Amr Ibn al-Ass, Abdul-Rahman Ibn'Auf, Mu'awiya Ibn abi-Sifian. Made and executed in the year 15 AH(637 CE)."
While the Patriarch was dressed in sumptuous robes, Umar, who was 'contemptuous of finery' wore his travel-stained battle tunic (Makiya 2001: 85). Makiya describes a conversation between Sophronious and Umar on the question of dress. Umar challenges Sophronious, saying that God does not 'demand extravagance' to which the Patriarch replies that he is 'his office.' He does not wear finery to adorn himself but to 'check the confusion and anarchy in the world'.
Later, Umar was invited to pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre but chose to pray some distance from the Church, saying that he was afraid that in the future Muslims could use this as an excuse to take over the church to build a mosque. The Christians gave the key of the church to Muslims to be responsible for its safety. This key is still with the Muslims today as a sign and symbol of the mutual trust.
An earlier treaty made between the commander of the Muslim army and the Christian city of Damascus:
"Khalid bin Walid has made concessions for the people of Damascus that they will be granted peace on the entry of the Islamic army into Damascus and their lives, properties and churches would remain safe and intact. Moreover, neither fortifications of the city nor the houses will be demolished nor any member of the Islamic force will be allowed to reside in any house. The Muslims and their Caliph will practice nothing but good to the people of Damascus while they keep paying the jiziyah (tax)."
This treaty was honoured by The Muslims.